The holiday season is often regarded as a time for gratitude and family gatherings, but for some, it’s also an opportunity to express their frustrations. This year, the quirky secular holiday Festivus, made famous by the ’90s sitcom “Seinfeld,” returns on December 23, providing a platform to air grievances.
First introduced in the series during the 1997 episode titled “The Strike,” Festivus was created by Frank Costanza, George Costanza’s father, and serves as a humorous alternative to the traditional Christmas celebrations. It rejects the consumerism commonly associated with the season, opting instead for an aluminum pole rather than a decorated tree, and the unique tradition of an “airing of grievances,” where participants gather for a meal and share their disappointments from the past year.
In celebration of this unconventional holiday, the Enquirer newsroom took the opportunity to express their top Cincinnati grievances, sharing lively opinions on what irks them about the local culture and community.
Among the top grievances was an assertion by Trending News Editor David Wysong, who passionately defended his status as a Cincinnatian despite not growing up in the area. Living in Cincinnati for over a decade, Wysong voiced his frustration with frequent questions about his high school background.
Erin Glynn, a regional politics reporter, humorously highlighted the connection between Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, asserting that it rightfully claims its place as part of the Queen City, showcasing local pride with remarks about its picturesque views.
Conversely, reporter Kaycee Sloan expressed irritation over the Cincinnati/NKY airport situation, emphasizing that the airport, located in Hebron, misleadingly identifies as Cincinnati. She believes the confusion adds unnecessary frustration for travelers.
Wysong also targeted the perception of Cincinnati-style chili, arguing that Skyline Chili should not monopolize the identity of the city’s culinary staple. While a fan of Skyline, he stressed the importance of recognizing the diversity among the many chili parlors scattered throughout Cincinnati.
Lastly, Sloan lamented the frequent misnaming of Kroger as “Kroger’s,” a pet peeve that gained attention in 2022 when Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow mispronounced it during a commercial.
Festivus, celebrated annually on December 23, invites individuals to share their grievances while fostering community spirit. It serves as a reminder that amidst the celebratory season, a bit of humor and honesty can go a long way in enhancing community connections.